Weeks after the grand celebration of Agbon Festival in Oba-Ile, the ancient community again came alive as Odofin Oba-Ile, High Chief Arebisola Agidirigbi Fagbami David on Sunday, 15th August, 2021 made a gallant entry into the community in commemoration of another major festival – Odun Iboko.
Going by the historical perspective, High Chief Fagbami David said the festival which for centuries has been celebrated is to commemorate the gallant entry of the Odofin who as the right hand man of the Oloba, left as a result of a minor disagreement to his farm until the king sent an entourage of his chiefs to admonish him to come back into town.
“From what we were told by our forefathers, something happened between Odofin and the Oloba back then that made Odofin to go to farm. When he was long expected without showing up, the king had to send his chiefs to go and invite the Odofin to come back to town so as to join him as he prepares to celebrate another major festival”, He recounted.
That history was replayed as Odofin made that gallant entry accompanied by other hunters into Oba Ile and as he passed through different settlements, there were gunshot to announce his presence and he was received around Ejioba High School area with dances by the Ayeba and other groups.
On the significance of the celebration to the community, High Chief Fagbami said Iboko Festival is to commemorate the Odofin’s gallant entry as the celebrations in the community announces his arrival to the Oloba just as the whole community can authoritatively do a 5-day count down to another festival.
“Oba – Ile has a unique history with the Deji’s palace as it is historically said that it was one of the sons of Oloba that became the Deji”, he added saying it is unfortunate that culture is being eroded by westernization.
“We are trying to uphold our culture. Look at Eleyeowo community – that used to be our farm then but now it is home to the Airport. I was in the service when they came to call me to come and take up this position. By virtue of this position, I am the King’s right hand man and ideally, nobody should get to see Oloba without seeing me first. That is how powerful the position is”, he added just as he enjoined the youths to get involved to as to be able to preserve the various cultures that is now going into extinction.
Topshotnews spoke with the Oloba, HRM, Oba Joseph Agunbiade (JP) at his palace where he also recounted the historical perspective of the festival saying Iboko Festival is closely tied to the recently concluded Agbon festival and the Aheregbe festival due in another 5 days time.
While expressing gratitude to members of the community for living in peace and conducting themselves at all tines, Oba Agunbiade said Oba-Ile as an ancient community has come a long way and as such the culture must be preserved even in the face of westernization.
In a chat with topshotnews, High Chief Clement Bolanle, the Obanla of Oba-Ile while congratulating the Odofin for a successful outing said he was very happy to be a part of the celebration.
Also speaking, High Chief Olarewaju Fanigbuya, the Olomaso of Akure kingdom said he was happy to be a partaker in the remarkable event yearly done by Odofin in remembrance of his forefathers.
The Erelu of Obaile, Chief Mrs. Rachael Ogunejebi who led the Ayeba and other groups in dance during the celebration while also congratulating with Odofin said they were extremely happy to have witnessed the remarkable event which is a yearly celebration in Oba Ile.
The wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Grace Arebisola while appreciating all those who came from far and near to witness the event said the annual event will also feature a special prayer for the community.
She also used the opportunity to charge the youths to get involved so as to be able to preserve the culture of Oba Ile.